Bouncing my way back from injury is my biggest victory: Francisco Salin

Francisco Salin, a name which has been sending shivers down defenders’ spine all season long, has just stepped it up to an altogether new level in the past few weeks, racking up nine goals in the last five games for Mumbai Customs which includes two hat-tricks.
Francisco’s evolution has left opposition rear-guards feeling the heat as they try finding ways to stop the little assassin in Customs’ ranks. With over ten goals scored in this season’s Elite Division, Francisco Salin is attracting plenty of attention not just from the media but also from watchful footballing eyes around the city.
It is hard to believe, that the same player who is now scoring for fun and has taken Mumbai’s premier football league by a storm, was not so long ago struggling with an injury which somewhat threatened to put his career to bed.
But Salin has shown great character from bouncing back from that setback which makes the success he is enjoying now a lot sweeter.
Speaking to Football Counter on the back of his goal-clad week, Francisco Salin has been highlighting the cohesion in his Customs side and his style of preparation for a game, while also discussing his future and his recovery from an injury which wiped off the smile off his face.
1. You have scored nine goals in the last five games. What have you been eating?
A: Well it’s not about what I eat, but a lot about teamwork really. My teammates have been feeding me with some really nice passes and finishing it from there is my duty which I have been doing and that’s why the goals have been coming.
2. You have now built yourself a reputation. So how difficult it is when opponent coaches and players identify you as a main threat and try to nullify you?
A: I fully prepare for the game. I know the opposition tries to stop me but I prepare myself to the fullest and constantly talk to myself. I along with my coach prepare in advance as to how I should go about cracking the opposition defence. Now-a-days, many coaches load me with two defenders, so my coach switches around and puts me on the right just to shuffle up the defence and that helps me to breakthrough and do my job.
3. It’s even more amazing to see that you have scored nine goals in the last five games, despite playing every two-three days in such a heat. How have you managed to keep yourself fresh?
A: The heat makes it difficult, but many of my senior players have helped me in dealing with it. The suggested me to take proper rest and maintain a good intake of food. The water breaks in the middle of each half have been really helpful to get us re-energized and I must thank WIFA (Western India Football Association) for having these breaks to help the game.
4. Have you got any offers from bigger clubs and what are your plans for the future?
A: As of now I don’t have any offers on the table, but I am looking to secure a permanent job in Customs for which I have been struggling a few years, but hopefully now after seeing me work hard and deliver results, I will be offered one. As for other offers, it usually happens at the end of the season, so if by God’s grace I get any good offers, I will consider it.
5. You have been all over the newspapers and websites after scoring these hat-tricks. How does your family feel about it?
A: My family is very proud of me. Especially after my injury, many people put me down by saying that I won’t be able to comeback. But I motivated myself a lot to get back to where I am today. It was a tough phase in my life and seeing me injured had made my mother lose her smile. But slowly and gradually seeing me work hard and now see my name in the newspaper I have managed to get it back on her face. Now she can proudly walk out and say that this is my son and he has proved everyone wrong.
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: India vs. Thailand – A Winner-Take-All Showdown!
The stage is set for a thrilling climax in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, as India’s Blue Tigresses prepare to face Thailand’s Chabakaew in a…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The Quest for Redemption: Why Tomorrow’s India vs. Thailand clash transcends Qualification
As the clock ticks down to the monumental clash between India and Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the air is thick with anticipation. This isn’t just…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Etched in History: Blue Tigresses Break the Hex, Qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026!
When the final whistle pierced the air at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, it wasn’t just a sound; it was the echo of history being rewritten. Tears streamed…
East Bengal to play Bangalore’s South United in opener as 134th IndianOil Durand Cup fixtures and groups announced
The 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, will kick off on July 23rd, 2025, with Emami East Bengal FC facing Bengaluru-based South United FC (SUFC) at the iconic Vivekananda…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
FIFA Women’s World Cup the next mountain to climb for the Blue Tigresses
It’s been four days since India’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. But the dust from the celebrations isn’t settling anytime soon, and the women’s football…
Hon. President of India Flags Off 134th Durand Cup Trophies in a Grand Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi, July 4, 2025: In a moment steeped in legacy and national pride, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / AIFF / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF announces reward for fantastic Blue Tigresses
AIFF has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women’s National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand. The…
Durand Cup returns to Imphal with a grand trophy tour
Imphal welcomed the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup trophies with a grand trophy tour as Asia’s oldest football tournament returned to Manipur’s capital after a two-year hiatus. The three trophies of the…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…